PEDIATRICS Vol. 80 No. 1 July 1987, pp. 75-78
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Partial Exchange Transfusion in Term, Polycythemic Neonates: Absence of Association With Severe Gastrointestinal Injury

Herman A. Hem MD1 and Susan S. Lathrop RN, CPNP1

1 From the Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa

Partial exchange transfusion is often used to treat neonatal polycythemia. Concern about the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis following the procedure has recently been raised. We report a retrospective analysis of 185 term, polycythemic neonates who received partial exchange transfusion. No evidence of severe gastrointestional injury was found. The technique for partial exchange transfusion we report consists of removal of blood from the umbilical vein with reinfusion of a commercial plasma substitute through a peripheral vein. Based on our data and a literature review, we offer suggestions for future conduct of partial exchange transfusion in polycythemic neonates.

Key Words: polycythemia • blood hyperviscosity • partial exchange transfusion • necrotizing enterocolitis • umbilical vein

Submitted on March 31, 1986